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Immigrants in New York

New York is often considered one of the greatest cultural hubs in the country, having welcomed immigrants long before the days of Ellis Island. Immigrants now account for one-fifth of the state’s total population and make up a staggering 25 percent of its labor force. As workers, business owners, taxpayers, and neighbors, immigrants are an integral part of New York’s diverse and thriving communities and make extensive contributions that benefit all.

One in five New Yorkers is an immigrant, while one in six is a native-born U.S. citizen with at least one immigrant parent.

In 2015, more than 4.5 million immigrants (foreign-born individuals) comprised 22.9 percent of the state’s population.

New York was home to 2.3 million women, 2 million men, and 217,102 children who were immigrants.